Single-Incision Cholecystectomy in about 200 Patients

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Surgery
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Transumbilical single-incision laparoendoscopic cholecystectomy (T-SI-LC) is increasingly explored for gallbladder diseases.
• Evaluating T-SI-LC as a standard procedure for both acute and chronic gallbladder conditions is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and safety of transumbilical single-incision laparoendoscopic cholecystectomy (T-SI-LC).
• To compare T-SI-LC outcomes with standard multiport cholecystectomy.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 220 patients undergoing T-SI-LC between September 2008 and March 2010.
• Utilized a single port for most patients (196) and a modified two-port technique for others (24).
• All procedures employed straight instruments with a transumbilical incision.

Main Results:

• Successful T-SI-LC in 98% of patients (215/220), with low conversion rates (1.4% to three-port, 0.9% to open).
• Mean operative time was 62 minutes; 26% of patients had acute cholecystitis.
• Surgery-related complications occurred in 5% of patients, with 4% requiring reoperation.

Conclusions:

• Transumbilical single-incision cholecystectomy is a safe and feasible option for routine gallbladder removal.
• Outcomes, including operative time and complication rates, are comparable to standard multiport surgery after a brief learning curve.
• The technique is suitable for most acute cholecystitis cases.